How do you import a car from Japan to Türkiye, and what does it cost? (2026)
Last reviewed by AVON INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD., licensed USS member dealer (card L-1525)
The decisive cost is ÖTV (Özel Tüketim Vergisi, special consumption tax), which is 70–220% of the CIF+duty value by engine size, NOT the modest 10% duty + 20% KDV. Post-July-2025 petrol ÖTV: ~75% ≤1400cc, ~85% 1400–1600cc, 150% 1600–2000cc, 220% >2000cc. KDV (20%) then compounds on CIF + duty + ÖTV, so total tax runs ~130% of CIF for a small car and ~320% for a large SUV. Used-car imports by individuals are restricted, so treat all figures as illustrative.
Car import duty calculator for Türkiye
Japan's auction stock is right-hand drive. We do not convert steering. For Türkiye we can only source the limited left-hand-drive cars that come up at Japanese auctions, mostly European and American imports, so choice is narrow and prices are higher than for ordinary Japanese stock.
Importing used vehicles into Türkiye is subject to significant restrictions. Commercial used-car imports require official ministry permission and conformity certification, and the process is permit-based rather than open to any buyer. Türkiye also drives on the right, and Japanese domestic stock is right-hand drive — converting to left-hand drive for Turkish road registration is a further practical requirement. The tax structure includes an indicative 10% customs duty and 20% VAT on the imported value, plus a Special Consumption Tax (ÖTV) that varies by engine displacement and the vehicle's tax base — making the total tax burden the most important figure to model before committing.
Can you import a used car from Japan to Türkiye?
- Steering
- Left-hand drive only
- Age limit
- Türkiye drives on the RIGHT (LHD). Used/second-hand passenger cars require Ministry of Commerce permission which is NOT granted for ordinary individual/commercial imports — used-car import is effectively closed except transfer-of-residence, inheritance, disabled-person schemes, or classic cars (1980 or older). Figures below are illustrative of what WOULD apply if a car cleared customs.
- Inspection
- Ministry of Commerce permission; TSE conformity; customs declaration; registration.
- Permits
- Ministry of Commerce used-goods import permission (rarely granted).
- Restrictions
- Individual used-car imports are effectively banned (permit-based). ÖTV makes any import extremely expensive regardless.
- Special rules
- Transfer-of-residence (bedelsiz), inheritance, disabled-person and 1980-or-older classic schemes are the only routes.
- Entry ports
- Derince
How do you import a car from Japan to Türkiye, step by step?
Check the import rules
Türkiye drives on the RIGHT (LHD). Used/second-hand passenger cars require Ministry of Commerce permission which is NOT granted for ordinary individual/commercial imports — used-car import is effectively closed except transfer-of-residence, inheritance, disabled-person schemes, or classic cars (1980 or older). Figures below are illustrative of what WOULD apply if a car cleared customs. Türkiye requires left-hand-drive vehicles, so ordinary right-hand-drive Japanese stock cannot be registered there.
Obtain the import permit
Ministry of Commerce used-goods import permission (rarely granted).
Buy the car and obtain the export certificate
After purchase in Japan the car's registration is cancelled and an export certificate is issued. An English translation of it is needed for customs and registration in Türkiye.
Complete the required inspection
Required for Türkiye: Ministry of Commerce permission; TSE conformity; customs declaration; registration.
Ship to Derince
Cars from Japan arrive at Derince. Sea transit is about 29–36 days. The shipping line issues the bill of lading, which customs needs for the entry.
Lodge the customs entry and pay the taxes
A licensed clearing agent lodges the import declaration with the invoice, bill of lading and export certificate. Customs assesses Customs duty, Special Consumption Tax and VAT; the rates are in the duty table on this page.
Register the car
After customs release and payment of port charges, the car is registered and plated by Türkiye's vehicle registration authority.
What import duties and taxes does Türkiye charge?
| Tax | Rate | Charged on |
|---|---|---|
| Customs duty (Gümrük Vergisi) | 10% | CIF value |
| Special Consumption Tax (ÖTV, engine cc) | 75%–220% by engine size | CIF + import duty |
| VAT (KDV, 20%) | 20% | CIF + duty + earlier taxes |
Customs duty (Gümrük Vergisi)
Rate: 10%. Charged on: CIF value.
Special Consumption Tax (ÖTV, engine cc)
Rate: 75% up to 1,400 cc; 85% up to 1,600 cc; 150% up to 2,000 cc; 220% above 2,000 cc. Charged on: CIF + import duty.
VAT (KDV, 20%)
Rate: 20%. Charged on: CIF + duty + earlier taxes.
Türkiye applies an indicative 10% customs duty on imported passenger cars, though the actual rate depends on the vehicle's origin and HS code. On top of duty comes 20% VAT on the imported value, plus the ÖTV (Özel Tüketim Vergisi / Special Consumption Tax), which varies significantly by engine displacement and the vehicle's tax base — and can be the largest single charge. The combination of duty, VAT and ÖTV means the total tax burden is substantial and must be calculated specifically for your vehicle.
How much does it cost to import a car from Japan to Türkiye?
Worked examples are not shown for this market. Use the calculator below with your own car.
How long does shipping take, and which ports?
| Port | Method | Transit (days) | Freight from (sedan) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Derince | RoRo or container | 29–36 | US$1,550 |
Which cars from Japanese auctions can be registered in Türkiye?
- Models and prices
Ford Explorer
Sold new in Japan with left-hand drive, so used Explorers turn up in Japanese stock from time to time.
- Models and prices
Porsche Cayenne
Some Cayennes were sold new in Japan with left-hand drive and resurface in Japanese used stock in small numbers.
- Models and prices
Cadillac SRX
An American SUV sold new in Japan with left-hand drive; examples appear in Japanese used stock occasionally.
- Models and prices
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Left-hand-drive S-Class cars sold new in Japan appear in Japanese used stock, mostly older examples.
How much is inland delivery to cities in Türkiye?
| City | From port | Sedan | SUV / wagon | Extra days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Derince | Derince | US$100 | US$120 | 1 |
| Istanbul | Derince | US$150 | US$190 | 2 |
| Ankara | Derince | US$240 | US$300 | 2 |
| Izmir | Derince | US$280 | US$350 | 2 |
| Bursa | Derince | US$160 | US$200 | 2 |
| Antalya | Derince | US$320 | US$400 | 3 |
| Mersin | Derince | US$410 | US$510 | 3 |
How do you avoid scams when buying a car from Japan?
- Check that the exporter is a registered Japanese company: look up its corporate number and address, and prefer members of the Japan Used Motor Vehicle Exporters Association.
- Ask for the original auction sheet and, after purchase, the export certificate. Both name the chassis number, which should match the invoice.
- Pay only to a company bank account in the exporter's name, never to a personal account or a money-transfer agent.
AVON INTERNATIONAL company and licence details are on the About page, and the JUMVEA member list is public. JUMVEA (exporters association) · About AVON INTERNATIONAL · Is buying a car from Japan safe?
Frequently asked questions
- Can I freely import a used car from Japan to Türkiye?
- No — commercial import of used vehicles into Türkiye is heavily restricted and requires official ministry permission and conformity certification. It is not a straightforward open-market import.
- What taxes apply to importing a car to Türkiye?
- An indicative 10% customs duty applies, plus 20% VAT on the imported value, plus the ÖTV Special Consumption Tax that varies significantly by engine displacement and tax base. The ÖTV is often the largest charge.
- Japanese cars are right-hand drive — does that affect import to Türkiye?
- Yes. Türkiye drives on the right, so right-hand-drive vehicles require conversion to left-hand drive for road registration.
Car import duty calculator for Türkiye
Loading calculator…
Estimate only. Duties are assessed by customs on arrival, freight rates move, and rules change. Check current figures before you buy.